Princess Tarhata "Tata" Alonto Lucman is the first Muslim lady governor of Lanao del Sur, appointed in 1971. She is a member of one of the royal families of Maranao, she fought the Martial Rule of the deposed President Marcos. Known as Tata, she is better known as a rido (clan conflict) settler, noted in a TIME magazine article for helping the release of kidnapped nuns in Marawi City in 1986. From 2001, she has been leading the Muslim-dominated province of Lanao del Sur, the Autonomous Regional Government in Muslim Mindanao.

Early Life

Born into royalty among Ramain’s Sultanates, Tata as a girl-child looked up to other pioneering Moro ladies like Princess Tarhata Kiram and Dayang Dayang Piandao of Sulu who were able to get educated and travel abroad and to the capital. Within her one year of schooling in her hometown, she was accelerated to grade 4 at the tender age of 6 years old.

The only English-speaking among the household, she acted as translator at the busy home of her father, Alauya Alonto , who was a religious leader and politician. Tata was reared in the world of politics. She assisted her father, who was “no read, no write” in his travels to Manila. This would be her training ground in the man’s world. Constantly defying rules, Tata also didn’t want to marry someone not her choice. She was constantly engaged by her family to men from Maranao buena pamilia , but she would break the betrothals . She would find that the constant visitor, mentor at her home would be interested in her. She soon married Sultan Al-Rashid Lucman.

AIMAN CAIRODEN

PANGANDA O MRANAO

MSU's First Muslim Summa cum Laude

Aiman Cairoden, son of a poor Maranaw widow, just wanted to have a college diploma so he can have a decent job and help send his five siblings to school.

Cairoden did not just receive a college diploma on Thursday (April 4), but also brought honor and fame to his home-province of Lanao del Sur for graduating summa cum laude from the state-run Mindanao State University's (MSU) 2013 Bachelor of Science in Biology class.

He is the first ever Moro student to achieve such feat since the creation of the University in 1961.

The MSU is the biggest government-owned university in Mindanao.

Cairoden, son of a Maranaw driver who died in a car accident two years ago, is an ethnic Maranaw from the first district of Lanao del Sur.

Since the university was created in 1961, all of its summa cum laude graduates were non-Muslims, mostly Visayans.

Cairoden’s mother and siblings wept as he delivered his valedictory address before 1,926 graduates at the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the MSU campus.

Cairoden was known in the MSU campus as a studious and frugal student, who spent his money wisely.

He has many Muslim and Christian friends from whom he borrowed science text books.

relatives said Cairoden is still uncertain if he would proceed to study medicine or immediately look for a job so he can help send his younger siblings to school.

-Philippine Star-

SPEECH OF SULTAN KUDARAT

What have you done? Do you realize what subjection would reduce you to? A toilsome slavery under the Spaniards! Turn your eyes to the subject nations and look at the misery to which such glorious nation had been reduced to, look at the Tagalog and Visayan: Are you better than they? Do you think that the Spaniards consider you of better stuff? Have you not seen the Spaniards trample them under their feet? Do you not see everyday how they are obliged to work at the oars and the factories with all their rigors? Can you tolerate anyone with little Spanish blood to beat you up and grasp the fruits of your labor? Allow your selves to be subjects (today) and tomorrow you will be at the oars; I, at least will be a pilot, the biggest favor they will allow a chief. Do not let their sweet words deceive you; their promises facilities their deceits, which little by little, enable them to control everything, reflect on how even minor promises to the chief of other nations were not honored until they become master of them all, see now what is being done to these chief and how they are being led by rod.

THE CHOSEN ONE

by Maher Zain

In a time of darkness and greed It is your light that we need You came to teach us how to live Muhammad Ya Rasool Allah

You were so caring and kind Your soul was full of light You are the best of mankind Muhammad Khaira Khalqillah Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habib Al Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One

From luxury you turned away And all night you would pray Truthful in every word you say Muhammad Ya Rasul Allah

Your face was brighter than the sun Your beauty equaled by none You are Allah’s Chosen One Muhammad Khaira Khalqillah Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habib Al Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One

I will try to follow your way And do my best to live my life As you taught me I pray to be close to you On that day and see you smile When you see me Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habibil Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One

Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habibi Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One

A fearless Maranao warrior, Amai Pakpak, also known as Datu Akadir, born in Buadi sa Kayo, lived and died for the cause of Muslim freedom. He was famous for his heroic military exploits against the Spaniards, particularly in his defense of the legendary Kota Marahui (Marawi), the fortification made of earth and stone, which he had built. The Kota served as a bulwark against the Spanish invasions of 1891 and 1895.

Today, Kota Marahui is now known as Camp Amai Pakpak. The nearest landmark, located several meters away, is the Agus 2 hydraulic plant since 1650, when the Maranaos routed the Spanish expeditionary forces sent by Governor Corcuera, Lake Lanao had been free of foreign intrusion. It was not until 1891 that the Spaniards sent another invading force to try to capture the lake area. Personally led by Governor-General Valeriano Weyler, the campaign, begun in April, aimed to establish military strongholds in key points over Lanao and Cotabato. To carry this out, Weyler organized more than a thousand troops who were transported to Iligan Bay by four ships packed with military supplies. The main objective was Kota Marahui, which had been heavily fortified by cannons and guns, the Muslim warriors manning them ready to sacrifice their lives.

On August 19, Marahui fell, but the following day, Amai Pakpak and his forces reconsolidated and launched a fierce counterattack, proving that despite Marahui’s loss, the rest of Lanao was not about to give up. On August 21, 1891, the Spaniards launched a two-pronged attack. They bombarded the fort, overwhelming its defenders. Both sides sustained heavy casualties, though Amai Pakpak and his men who survived the onslaught eluded capture by retreating into the lake settlements. There, they regrouped. The Spaniards did not savor their initial victory for long. Three days later, the Muslims were back a bigger and more formidable force that compelled them to withdraw in their own redoubts in North Lanao.

Henceforth, the Muslims regularly staged lightning raids, in small units, against enemy settlements in southern Misamis Oriental and Iligan. This went on for four years. In time, the colonial government decided that if the stalemate were to end and the Muslim settlements around Lake Lanao subdued, the campaign on land should be bolstered by naval support a strategy that had found success elsewhere in Mindanao. Thus, a fleet of four steel-armed light gunboats was sent to the lake within a period of one year, from 1894 to

This young prince of Tugaya and Marogong deserves to be recognized by his tribesmen for his participation in the community and success his career as martial artist in the field of KARATE DO and later became successful Military man.

Born in Tugaya lanao del Sur and raised in Marogong Lanao del Sur to his parents Col. Papala Saad and Prof. Hadja Naima Mikunug Saad, School principal at Pandi a Ranao Elementary School, Tugaya Lanao del Sur, both his parents are scion of Tubaran, Marogong, Binidayan and Tugaya,

During his college life in Mindanao State University MSU, he joined the MSU Karate Club and became black belter and won for many Karate tournaments in the University and delegated by the Club and his colleagues to represent Marawi City to the first Philippine National Game, tournament for Karate do Championship, hold in Pasig City in in the year 1994. Salman Mikunug Saad is the first Iranaon/Maranao declared by the referees as National Champion in the field of Karate do followed by his co delegates, Lindy Gabriel and Daks Macapodi in the same event; He also won for many karate tournaments during his college days in Cagayan de Oro College from the PKF Club of CDO.

Salman M. Saad is a graduated BS Criminology at Cagayan De Oro College and certified Board Passer by the Philippine Regulatory Commission PRC prior for his approval in Philippine National Police. Aside from his duties and responsibilities as police Major, he was also delegated to the PNP National karate tournament and won as the first and only Iranaon-Maranao became national Champion in PNP Karate open Tournament and he was selected RP Team member to represent Philippine to the SEA Game in Thailand until now he is the undefeated and defending champion of PNP national Karate championship.

Being a genuine royal blood of Ranao, he was enthroned as Sultan Ampuan of the royal house of Tugaya in the year 2006 from the line of seven Maruhoms sons of Datu Amtak of Tugaya, he is also belong to the royalty of Masiu from the line of Datu Naib son of Maruhom Dialaloden who is a son Balindong Bsar and Pindawadawaoray, that was his succession right in the Sultanate of Masiu.

He receives awards from private and government organization, one of his awards first among the ten most outstanding Muslim youth of the Philippine in the year 2006. He is now serving Pantar and Magsaysay Lanao Del Norte as PNP Chief of Police and Current Director of Philippine Karate Federation PKF ARMM region.

In behalf of this Website and the People of Ranao, we are Proud for Iranaon like him.

SULTAN PANGADAPUN BENITO

SULTAN PANGADAPUN BENITO

FIRST MERANAO SULTAN OF MAGUINDANAO

One of the Top 50 Model Sultans of Iranaon

to Inspires the meranao Youth

Maguindanao Sultanate

He was born and raised in Upper Unayan, his parents came from the royalty of Pagayawan, Picong, Tubok and Ganassi. He is the direct descendant of 16th Sultan Kibad Sahriyal Benito of Maguindanao, to his son Sultan Alamansa Dolkarnain, to his son Sultan Qudratulla Untong 18th Sultan, to his son Serongan Sarip Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao a Datumulok of Sulu, brother of Sultan Mastura of Maguindanao and Datu Dakula of Sibugay Maguindanao, to Datu Ilian (Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra of Maguindanao)

Accordingly; in the old days the coastal areas of Lanao del sur are part of Maguindanao’s territories (part of the Iranon region), Sultan Laot Boisan and Sultan Dimasangkay were brothers of different mother. Dimasangkay enthroned 4th sultan of Maguindanao right after the death of his father sultan Bangkaya 3rd Sultan of Maguindanao. He, Dimasangkay later succeeded by his half brother Gugu Sarikula 5th Sultan who was contested by his nephew Radjamoda of Maguindanao, son of late Dimasangkay from Bae Maira of Simoay. (Most Iranuns and Meranaos claimed descents from Dimasangkay Adel)

The throne went to the father of Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat to settle and pacify the conflict between Radjamuda and Gugu Sarikula to unite the clan. Those days, Mohammad Dipatuan was a Youngman to rule Maguindanao sultanate. Later on, Sultan Laot Boisan relinquished his throne to his son Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat year 1619. Radjamuda and Gugua gave their full support to Sultan Kudarat when the throne went to him. (Those times Meranaos, Maguindanaos and Iranons were unites under one rule)

After the death of Sultan Kudarat, succeeded by his eldest son Sultan Dundang, some report that he relinquished the throne; the descendants however of Dimasangkay were disappointed, because they expected that after Sultan Kudarat the throne should be went to the direct descendants of Dimasangkay Adel because he is the eldest son. After the death of Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat, Meranao and Iranon start bidding their own sultanates and gradually withdrew their sympathy to the sultanate of Maguindanao.

Balabagan Mayor

Balabagan, Malabang, Tubok, Kapatagan and Picong bid for their own Sultanates, however still under the Umbrella of Maguindanao’s sultanate. The Pata Pangampong a Ranao was updated thru the efforts of 8 datus, 15 Royal sultanates were created, 28 legislative bodies were established, 4 boundaries sultanates were formally updated, all of these are strategies to defend Iranaon’s land and tactics to let the Spaniards thought that many sultans to fight.

In the first quarter of 19 century, modern government was introduced to main land Mindanao. Coastal area of Lanao Del Sur became one municipality and name Malabang the oldest town in the Philippine. Datu Esmail Macabato Maruhom (kakay Dilana) first appointed and elected mayor. Kakay Dilana Maruhom was defeated to Amer Macaorao Balindong (sultan of Picong) in re-election on 1953. In the following election; Datu Pangadapun Benito run for mayorship against his cousin Amer Balindong and did not succeed 1959, as per local historian Kakay Dilana won against Amer Macaorao Balindong and Pangadapun Benito in the first local election in Malabang 1953. Sultan Macaorao Balindong won against Kakay Dilana and Pangadapun Benito in the second election 1959

Late Senator Domocao Alonto (may Allah bless his soul) made his decision to separated Balabagan from Malabang and he installed Pangadapun Benito as municipal mayor of Balabagan LDS, to pacify and reconcile him with Mayor Amer Balindong (Sultan of Picong), because he was the political rival of Amer Balindong in Malabang, that was a good Idea for the rivalry of the two datus who were childhood friends, cousin and both Amego guerrilla fighters became political rival. Sultan Amer Balindong remained as mayor of Malabang until Marcos regime.

Few years after, during his incumbency as municipal mayor, there was a feuds “rido” between the people of Sultan of Maguindanao, Pangadapun Benito, mayor of Balabagan, against the natives of Balabagan, many were affected and have killed, the conflict was resolved thru the efforts of Sultan Pangadapun Benito and Senator Domocao Alonto, with the help of other respected Datus.

As a Sultan of Maguindanao

Pangadapun Benito became the Sultan of Maguindanao [because] it was a privilege that was given to him by the Maranao/Iranun datus and to pacify him because there were so many people have killed already in those feuds. Apparently, there was no resistance from the heirs of the late Sultanate of Maguindanao; they did not object to it because they knew the blood connections of Pangadapun Benito to their family line, and his rightful to claim as sultan (The Sultan of Maguindanao whom he succeeded was too old and stood in Sibogay now Pagadian). They were also persuaded by the datus of Lanao led by Senator “Domocao” Alonto not to interfere or not to object because they are pacifying a family war between two great clans.

Mayor Pangadapun Benito recognized as sultan by the royal sultanates of Sulu, Brunei, Johor and also recognized by the president of the Philippines (Ferdinand E. Marcos) and President Suharto of Indonesia as ruling sultan of Maguindanao. His Royal welcome in the Malacanag palace done thru Sultan Mohammad Ali Dimaporo his childhood friends and “BALAIYA”, more recognitions, citations have done local and International.

Sultan Pangadapun Benito is the most deserving among meranao to the throne as sultan of Maguindanao, comparing to other Meranao datus during those time. Aside from his lineage to claim the sultanate, his connections to other strong politicians and respected leaders in Maguindanao-Ranao has been established. *The wife of Sultan and mayor of Binidayan “Muliloda Datumulok” is his niece. *the wife of ex Mayor Macatanao Dalidig of Pagayawan is his niece. *His daughter Bae Monera Benito Maruhom married to the son of Sultan and Mayor of Marogong Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom, now the incumbent mayor Actor T. Maruhom. *His son Datu Otomama Benito married to Bae Sittie Raihanah Dimaporo Benito, daughter of Governor Sultan Ali Dimaporo. *His son Datu Masiding Benito married to the daughter of General Mamarinta Lao, first Muslim General in the Philippines. *The incumbent mayor of Calanogas is his son “Datu Macapado Benito”. *His son Datu Camad Benito was appointed mayor of Kapatagan LDS during the presidency of Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino. *One of his daughters married to Atty. Abdul Azis Amerol Padate son of Hon. Judge Macapandi Marohom Padate, Late Sultan of Tubok. *His son Datu Saipal married to the daughter of Director Mambuay of Wato and more connections to mentions.

In addition to the mentions connections, *Datu Pangcoda former mayor of Pagayawan is his first cousin. *the Sultan and Mayor of Pagayawan “Dirangarun Benito” is his younger brother. *The Mayor of Calanogas “Moktar” is his first cousin. *One of his wives is niece of Sultan and Senator Alauya Alonto (the mother of late Governor Mamintal Adiong first married to him). *His first wife was the sister of Mayor of Wato-Balindong “Datu Epi Mangurun” and Mayor of Kapai LDS. *His son Datu H. Fahad "Kamilo" Balindong Benito married to Dr H. Faida “Edna” Ogka Benito, the incumbent mayor of Balabagan LDS. *His son Atty. Boning Benito was former mayor of Balabagan and father In-law of Hon Jalal Langlang Asum, the incumbent mayor of Lumbayangue LDS. *His daughter Bae Saida Benito Dagalangit married to the son of Mayor Mangayao Dagalangit of Lumba a Bayabao LDS. That mentions connections are not to raises his chair but to show and defined him as strong leader. Being a leader and Sultan you need strong connections to be able to take the stability and peace in the leadership.

Before as a Sultan and politician

Datu Pangadapun Benito grown up in a humble way with an ordinary life, he grew as potential leader, highly trained for the Igma and Taritib in the royal court of Pagayawan which is one of the 16 royal sultanates of pangampong a Ranao. During the American occupation in Ranao, massive education and socio economic campaign movement had been introduced and even distribution of relief goods all over the country, his parents failed to send him in school because they were thinking for the Christianity conversion if he study for the western education.

At his young age; Pangadapun Benito became active guerilla fighter to defend western Unayan from the Japanese resistance and others intruders who are trying to grabs Iranun’s land in the coastal area. He met 2 others respected and feared datus, Sultan Amer “Macaorao” Balindong and Sultan Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom. The 3 Datus including him, agreed to forms their own guerrilla comrades fighters to protect western Unayan for any possible crimes. Datu Abdulmadid “Titingalupa” Panondiongan Maruhom stayed at the upper of east Unayan and chose Marogong as his own camp with his more than 300 loyal comrades’ guerrilla fighters. Datu Pangadapun Benito stayed at the center of west Unayan, he chose Kodongan in Kalanogas as his own camp with his more than 350 guerrilla fighters. Datu Amer “Macaorao”Balindong stayed at coastal areas and chose Tanaoan in Picong as his own camp with his more than 400 royal comrades’ guerrilla fighters. The three datus became allied, close friends and ‘BABALAIYA” they finally controlled their areas, sometimes they were called 3 Rebel’s commanders of Unayan and labeled most wanted for the Japanese government of the Philippines.

Before as guerrilla commander; he was offered as mayor of Pagayawan, instead; he let his younger brother Sultan Dirangarun Benito to the mayorship of Pagayawan. That time, half of Kalanogas was part of Municipality of Malabang and genealogical part of Pagayawan sultanate, that the reason and made him to run as mayor of Malabang against Kakay Dilana Maruhom and his cousin Sultan Amer “Macaorao” Balindong, but he did not succeed. Balabagan LDS was created regular municipality from mother town Malabang LDS, and he was appointed first mayor and unopposed in the next election.

He was enthroned 24th Sultan of Maguindanao in 1960 from the line of Sharif Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao who was a son of 18th Sultan QUDRATULLAH MUHAMMAD ZAMAL UL-AZAM the 18th sultan of Maguindanao, who was a son of Sultan Alamansa Dolkarnain of Maguindanao and that Alamansa controlled the sultanate of Maguindanao exclusive to his descendants and his brother Sultan Kawasa Anuwaroden.

The life of Sultan Pangadapun Benito brought inspiration, courage and hope in many of people in the province of Lanao. He became popular locally and even internationally for his charismatic personality to depend and to help people of whatever it may be in good and bad times, he became adorable and most feared datu, due to his leadership style, very brave and respectable person, Icon in term of leadership. One of his direct descendants told me in a humble way that his grandfather Pangadapun married two ladies in the same day. In the early morning married to a lady in the following afternoon married to another one, he is handsome and courted many ladies, more than 25 out of hundred ladies he courted were married to him, not to be exact and some time he married the lady and divorced early, the sultan bore 37 children and thousand of grandchildren.

Genealogy!

In Upper Unayan connection; His father Macabalang “Amai Pangadapun” from the line of Arobero the ruler of west Unayan Pangampong. Arobero married to his first cousin Mamolawan of Tubok Malabang, daughter of Sultan Barasi of Tubok, begot *Maruhom Adel and *Maruhom Sharif who was married to Dabolawan of Tubok his first cousin and begot Maruhom Mamowalas, Maruhom Jaman and Datu Dumak in Maguindanao. Maruhom Jaman is the ascendant of Amai Pangadapun while Maruhom Mamowalas married to Olan daughter of Ongkini of Tubaran one of the 9 nine royal baes of Unayan begot Bolawan (grandmother of Sultan Pangadapun) and Angkod (Santican’s ascendant).

Bolawan married to Sultan Barat of Ganassi begot Tutop and Kundang. Tutop married to the daughter of Abdulsalam of Binidayan begot Lango that was the connection of Sultan Pangadapun Benito, Sultan Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom, Sultan Muliloda Datumulok and Sultan Santican of Tubaran.

*Maruhom Adel married to Apipa granddaughter of Ulok of Ramain begot Saroden, Andar and Dumak. Datu Saroden became the sultan of Pagayawan with the specific title as TAMPOGAO ADEL SA PAGAYAWAN ruler of whole west Unayan married 4 ladies, one of his direct descendants from bae Maputi sa Macadar were Guro sa Linindingan, Pinky (Sultan Ali Dimaporo ascendant) and Salaginto married to Tumbangan of Buribid begot Talicop and Amai Amai Diranggarun and Amai Pangdapun Benito.

*Maguindanao to Ganassi; Accordingly, Sultan Untong went to Ranao and married to Mala a Bae sa Taraka begot Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra sa Maguindanao a Datu Mulok sa Sulog. Sharif Maupaat has several children; one of them was Datu Elian Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra of Maguindanao.

*Sultan Barat of Gannasi married to Omon of Ramain begot, Dipatuan and Balindong of Ganassi who was married to Bae Bondayo daughter of sultan Arobero of Pagayawan to Olan of Wato begot 6 children with Maruhom Salic begot Bae sa Ganassi, her name was OKAL married to Sharif Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao begot Datu Elian.

Datu Ilian begot several children including Komayong and Kaorip were parents of Datu Benito Amerol the first Congressman of undivided Lanao during the American period in 1945, Datu Benito has served as member of the 4th National Legislature from 1916 to 1919 representing Mindanao and Sulu. Komayong begot P’ki mother of Sultan Pangadapun Benito while Kaorip married Datu Toroganan and begot Datu Benito, Luman, Bae Mampay (grandmother of Bae Omen Sarip Balindong, Incumbent mayor of Malabang), Bae Sapero, and Dayang. The descendants however of Komayong and Kaorip they brought the name of late Congressman Benito as family name in honor of him and to tie their family.

P’ki, a Bae sa Maguindanao married to her first cousin Macabalang “Amai Pangadapun” of Pagayawan in Upper Unayan bore Sultan Pangadapun Benito of Maguindanao, Lumna Radiamoda sa Maguindanao, Orangotan (amai H. Omensalam Benito Datumulok) and more siblings. He married several royal baes and got hundred of professionals, politician’s children and thousand of highly profiles grandchildren. Sultan Pangadapun Benito is one of our top 50 model Sultans to inspire the meranao youth for his good records during his time. Datu Ontay Marogong

References

1) Salsila sa Unayan

2) Datu Mohammad Al Sharif Mohammad Al-Sharief

3) Datu Maruhom Benito Ahmad (one of his grandson)

4) Al Alem Salic Benito

5) The Influence of the National Question and the Revival of Tradition

Comment posted by Asniah Eppie, 01/24/2018 at 11:09pm (UTC):I would like to correct some information. You mentioned that sultan pangadapun is related to Datu Epi Mangarun thru his marriage to his sister. Actually hindi po. They are actually first degree cousins. The mother of my late grandfather Datu Epi (Eppie) is the sister of Macabalang. Her name is Bunday. She was married to Sultan Lantong of Tugaya.

Please Support the new song of JASABS06, DI PASIN OTO, this is the Meranao version of Despacito a viral Spanish song with many versions, In behalf of this website and Datu Ontay, we salute and two Thumbs ups to the JASABS06 GROUP for making quality songs. Congrats.

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Our purpose of doing this task is to strengthening the bangsa moro nation. To fulfill our forefather dreams of having a meaningful bangsa moro identity in our mother land, to make our fellow Muslim understand the importance of having solidarity and closeness among us, to avoid discrimination and minimize feudal clan among us, so that we are nation with a purpose

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YOURS DATU ONTAY

SARIMANOK

The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao, a major island in the Philippines. It comes from the words "sari" and "manok." "Sari" means cloth or garment, which is generally of assorted colors. Manòk is a Philippine word for chicken.

It is the legendary bird that has become a ubiquitous symbol of Maranao art. It is depicted as a fowl with colorful wings and feathered tail, holding a fish on its beak or talons. The head is profusely decorated with scroll, leaf, and spiral motifs. It is said to be a symbol of good fortune

The Sarimanok is derived from a totem bird of the Maranao people, called Itotoro. According to the Maranao people, the Itotoro is a medium to the spirit world via its unseen twin spirit bird called Inikadowa.

The Sarimanok is also believed to have originated from an Islamic legend. According to the legend, Muhammad found a rooster in the first of the seven heavens. The bird was so large its crest touched the second heaven. Its crow roused every living creature except man. Judgement day would come once this celestial rooster ceased to crow

A Maranao legend also says of a Sultan's daughter being swept by a colorful rooster that became a handsome young man and they were never seen ever again. The Sultan then created replicas of the bird to remember his daughter by

Iranaons/Maranao are well-known for the aspects of Culture and arts, they gained more prominence in the field of martial arts when the MSU Karate Club successfully garnered three gold Medals and one silver in the 1994 first Philippine National Games – the first time Iranaon/Maranao gained these elusive awards in sports, and up to the present time the club still gaining good records.

In the name of Sport and Martial Arts, Iranaons/Maranao exceed on it and became more and more prominences when the young prince of Marawi in the good name of Datu Revie Saber Sani (son of Sultan Duma S. Sani and grandson of late Mamitua Saber, Radiamuda sa Marawi) won Champion in the international karate competitions like the 2003 8th karate games of the Adriatic in Italy, 2003 8th Czech open karate championship in Czech Republic, 2005 Asian Karate championship in Hong-Kong, China and the 23rd South East Asian Games (SEAGAMES). Datu Revie S. Sani is the first Iranaon/Maranao became member of Republic of the Philippine Team (RP-TEAM) for International Competition in the field of Karatedo, and present President of FIMAA Jeddah Saudi Arabia. The Iranaons/Maranao. would someday proven champion in the prestigious of the Olympics as my father’s longstanding dream, Datu Revie said in his Interview.